Heterogeneity of molecular markers in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia: a disease associated with several gene alterations

Cell Mol Life Sci. 2012 Sep;69(17):2853-61. doi: 10.1007/s00018-012-0956-y. Epub 2012 Mar 14.

Abstract

The relatively homogenous clinical features and poor prognosis of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) are associated with a molecular heterogeneity, with various mutations impacting several convergent pathways. Due to the restricted understanding of the mechanism involved in leukemogenesis, CMML still appears as a diagnostic and therapeutic undertaking, and poor prognosis of leukemia. Contrary to chronic myelogenous leukemia, BCR-ABL1-positive, cytogenetic, and molecular abnormalities of CMML are not specific and not pathognomonic, confirming the different levels of heterogeneity of this disease. Various mutations can be associated with a common phenotype not distinct at the clinical level, further demonstrating that molecular probings are needed for choosing individual targeted therapies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics*
  • Genetic Variation / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Chronic / diagnosis
  • Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Chronic / genetics*
  • Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Chronic / therapy
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics*
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / genetics*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion